Sabbatical: Housing
Whether you're planning a long-term trip abroad or a temporary break from work, finding the right housing is key to making the most of your sabbatical.
If you're like me, you can put a lot of pressure on where you live. I remember feeling uncertain about the location, the size of the apartment, the cost, and the neighborhood of our sweet 3-story townhouse in Arles, France. So uncertain that I actually made a PPT presentation comparing features of two final contendors and sent it to friends so they might help me decide. To which I got a myriad of responses - "Did you seriously send me this? You've lost the plot. Both of these options are awesome. Just pick one."
Just pick one. *nervous chuckle*
Easier said than done. Here are all the things that are stopping me from just picking one.
I don't know what I don't know: Despite my intensive research, I had never visited this town before and therefore had no idea what to expect in terms of neighborhoods, culture, safety, etc. I didn’t have this specific lived experience.
Communication challenges: I am in a different time zone, and while I do speak French, renting an apartment is still a jargony, complex topic that I'd rather not mess up
Minor things that are actually major things: The pandemic made me obsessed with "my house.” Spend long enough somewhere and you bet you'll walk away with some preferences and unique quirks that make you 'you.’ For example, I HATE dirty, dusty floors (loose hairs?!). For that same reason, I LOVE a vacuum cleaner. Will vacuum every night, and look forward to it, like it is some kind of special treat.
Putting my money where my mouth is: Choosing housing is a major financial decision, and therefore, an emotionally-charged part of sabbatical planning. If you want to lock down a place to live, you'll likely need to pay in advance.
So let's take it one step at a time, and let's try to reframe all the scary things into exciting things! A new adventure awaits.
Research the area: Do some research on the area you'll be visiting during your sabbatical. Look into the local cost of living, transportation options, and any other factors that could impact your housing decisions.
Use online resources: Consider using websites like Airbnb, VRBO, or HomeAway to search for short-term rentals. Instagram is a gold mine because you can look at the geotags. Google Map the distance from your prospective place to a highly-rated restaurant. Facebook has geo-specific housing groups, especially if your town happens to be a University town.
Consider a home exchange: Seriously, these are hip again! Lots of folks are informally posting on Instagram or online communities that they are going to XYZ location for XYZ length of time and looking for a home swap. If you have a home of your own or can sublet your place, consider this as a cost-effective option.
Find out what makes you 'you.’ Rituals and creature comforts - bring them with you! Your home is your sanctuary, after all. A place to start and end your day. A place to blast your weird music. A place to cook shared meals for friends, or not cook at all (you do you!). Document what is important and seek those things out.
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect housing for your sabbatical. Whether you choose a short-term rental, a home exchange, or something else, the key is to take your time and find a safe place that fits your needs and budget.
A bientot!
Milena